Firefighters honoured at No 10

A team of Oxfordshire County Council’s Fire and Rescue Service firefighters stepped through Britain’s most famous front door last night (Thursday June 21) after being honoured for their fundraising efforts for the Fire Fighters Charity.

A team of 18 cyclists from Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue won an award after cycling from John O'Groats to Lands End, raising more than £100,000.

The team received the Team of the Year Award at The Fire Fighters Charity’s Spirit of Fire Awards in London.

The John O’Groats to Land’s End (JOGLE) team received their award at One Great George Street in Westminster and then joined other nominees and winners for a reception at No 10 Downing Street, hosted by Home Secretary, Sajid Javid.

The Fire Fighters Charity’s Spirit of Fire Awards recognise the support and dedication of firefighters and fire and rescue service personnel from across the UK.

Falling in the 75th anniversary year of The Fire Fighters Charity – the UK’s leading provider of health and wellbeing services for the fire community – the Spirit of Fire Awards was hosted by BBC newsreader, Nicholas Owen.

Chief executive of The Fire Fighters Charity, Dr Jill Tolfrey, said: “Riding for The Fire Fighters Charity and in memory of a colleague, the JOGLE team’s achievement in raising over £102,000 was remarkable.

“The route covered 1,006 miles and took in eight different fire and rescue services, so a huge section of the UK fire community followed the riders and became involved in this incredible 14-day event.

“Even after they had finished the team continued its fundraising by organising supermarket collections, a ball, raffles, auctions, Christmas fair sales and other events. So this award is very well deserved, well done team JOGLE.”

Two other Oxfordshire staff were also finalists in the awards, Clive Durbin in Supporter of the Year (Non-uniform staff) and Richard Woodward in Supporter of the Year (Firefighter).

Oxfordshire’s Chief Fire Officer, Simon Furlong, said: ““I was extremely proud to accompany the JOGLE team and the other two nominations, Richard Woodward and Clive Durbin who were nominated for individual awards.

“This award is a great recognition for the team’s hard work but also for the families, friends and wider fire and rescue service which resulted in an amazing donation to the Fire Fighters Charity. This will enable the charity to support those who need its support.”